Ekrem Imamoglu, key rival to President Erdogan, was arrested early Wednesday, just before his expected candidacy announcement for the CHP in the 2028 presidential election. His party condemned the arrest as a “coup,” leading to nationwide protests across 32 provinces. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel urged citizens to demonstrate post-Ramadan, despite government warnings against protests. Thousands defied a protest ban, particularly in Istanbul, as authorities extended restrictions to Ankara and Izmir. The situation highlights rising tensions in Turkey, with potential implications for the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections, as public support for Imamoglu continues to grow.